Stele II 1973

Ellsworth Kelly created ‘Stele II,’ a large, bronze sculpture, which invites a reflective experience. Kelly served in the military during World War II, an experience which exposed him to the stark realities of conflict and deeply influenced his perception of form and space. The term “Stele” traditionally denotes an upright stone slab or pillar, often used as a monument or marker. Kelly’s choice of title suggests a connection to historical forms of commemoration and remembrance, while his minimalist design pushes against traditional expectations. The smooth, dark surface of the sculpture acts as a mirror, reflecting the surrounding environment. This interplay between the sculpture and its surroundings shapes our understanding. Kelly’s war time experience heightened his sensitivity to the shapes and forms found in the world, leading him to focus on the purity and simplicity of abstract forms. “I’m not interested in the texture of things,” Kelly once remarked, “I’m interested in the shape.” Kelly’s sculpture challenges us to consider the relationship between monumentality, memory, and the natural world.